Mario Kart Double Dash Revealed

Nintendo has unleashed the first pics and details on the long-awaited Mario Kart Double Dash. That's right, the first GameCube entry in the Mario Kart series finally has a name.

The biggest change from previous entries, aside from the improved graphics shown in the screenshots, would have to be the ability for two characters to ride a cart together. The character in the rear is responsible for using items while the mascot in front drives. Screenshots seem to hint that those using the items have added control over where they shoot the items, although this hasn't been confirmed yet. You can switch off between the driving and item roles at will in a race.

Switching off will probably be essential to the game, as characters will each have their own set of specific items that other characters cannot use. Characters can make use of 6 general items along with eight player specific items.

In all, there are sixteen characters confirmed for the game. Here's the list of characters that we know of so far:

Mario

Luigi

Peach

Baby Mario

Baby Luigi

Yoshi

Donkey Kong

Diddy Kong

Koopa

Koopa Jr.

Koopa Troopa

Paratroopa

Daisy

Birdo

Walugi

Wario

We see lots of names missing from that list that will probably make it in as secret characters. Characters can be paired up however you see fit.

Multiplayer play will, of course, feature heavily in the game. A four player split screen will be on offer, but Nintendo will also be including LAN play for up to 8 players. Further details on this latter mode will be unveiled at this May's E3 show.